Smoking.. Banned!

Starting today, June 27, 2011, smoking will be banned to public places and other specified areas to support the campaign to make Metro Manila 100% smoke-free.

For those who are unfamiliar with the ordinance, posted below is Section 5 of Republic Act 9211:

* Centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for persons under eighteen (18) years old; * Elevator and stairwells; * Location in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials; * Within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals. Medical, dental, and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories; * Public conveyance and public facilities including airport and ship terminals and train and bus stations, restaurant and conference halls, except for separate smoking areas; and * Food preparation areas.

Some avid Starbucks-goers are against it. Some even sent fillers that they’ll boycott the store.

I know this will draw a lot of mixed reactions. For the benefit of the common good (good health that is) I think it should be strictly implemented. We’re all aware of what smoking could bring to people (re: health concerns), right?. At least for once we should have discipline and obey a certain rule of our law.

Please be guided accordingly. I wrote this as a reminder to my friends and others out there who aren’t still aware of this. Mahuli kayo bigla, hindi nyo pa alam.. 🙂 Iba ang may alam.. (pahiram GMA NEWS TV..)

And yes, I am a non-smoker.. I’ve seen the damage it could bring so I decided to be against it.

I am an occasional smoker but I would love to see this strictly implemented. Besides the annoying smell of ciggie smoke (yes I really hate the smell sometimes), the butts are just littered everywhere. Everywhere! Walang disiplina. Tsk.